All repeatedly faced with the problem of scale on household appliances. Such a phenomenon can not only visually ruin any device, but also deliver a lot of trouble to the hostesses. We will figure out how to quickly and inexpensively descale a household double boiler.
Where does the calcareous sediment come from?
Limescale is a solid deposit on the walls of a device (vessel) in which heating, boiling or evaporation of water has occurred.
A device that has undergone such precipitation, if not properly maintained, may become unusable.
The reason for the appearance of scale is bad or hard water. In such water there is a large amount of heavy salts, which subsequently, when heated, form lime formations.
To reduce the risk of precipitation, clean the water before boiling - use filters or special products that reduce the hardness of the water.
Almost all new steam boiler models are equipped with a special indicator lamp that lights up when the appliance needs to be cleaned of plaque.
Why is it so important to fight with scale
In addition to the unpleasant appearance, scum brings with it a number of other problems:
- Problems of household appliances: a large deposition layer reduces thermal conductivity and requires large amounts of electricity. When trying to get rid of a thick layer of limescale there is a chance to slightly deform the device.
- Health problems: scale adversely affects teeth. Also, with the systematic use of food prepared in dishes with a deposition, salts released during boiling settle in the body and can cause osteochondrosis or problems with urination.
- Taste problems: the flakes of scale during boiling can fall off and fall into the food, giving it an uncharacteristic aftertaste and an unpleasant appearance. Slices of limescale feel like small pebbles on contact with teeth.
How to descale a double boiler
Each model of a double boiler consists of both plastic and metal parts. And you need to clean all of them from plaque.
No need to wait until the sediment layer reaches several millimeters, it is advisable to clean it at the first sign of plaque or with a frequency of 1-1.5 months.
To clean the plastic parts of the double boiler, you need to completely disassemble it and wipe it with soda. The amount of soda on average 1 tablespoon per 1 grate. After that, all parts must be thoroughly washed and wiped dry.
To clean a double boiler, there are several proven methods, ranging from all known and ending with not quite standard. The latter include cleaning with drinks such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola.
For their use, it is enough to pour the drink into the bowl and boil it for 10-15 minutes. Then leave the liquid inside for 20-30 minutes for a better effect.
After the time has passed, thoroughly rinse the double boiler with clean water and a washcloth; any detergent can be used additionally.
With a thick layer of plaque, a bowl with cola can be pre-soaked for the night.
Talk about standard cleaning methods.
Decalcifier
A new method of combating scale is chemicals. One of these drugs is antinakipin.
In order to clean the double boiler from descaling with “Anti-scale”, you need to:
- Pour a small amount (from 100 to 150 ml) of the product per 1 liter of water, depending on the thickness of the scale.
- Put the bowl with the solution in a double boiler for any mode for 10-15 minutes.
- After heating, drain the liquid and clean with a sponge under running water 1-2 times.
- If desired, clean water can be poured into the washed bowl and boiled.
This universal product does not contain phosphates and does not harm either health or the environment.
Lemon acid
Another way to descale. The benefits of citric acid are the absence of an unpleasant odor. Also, after applying citric acid, you do not need to boil clean water in the device, just wash it.
For this method you need:
- Make a solution of citric acid. In a bowl of a double boiler you need to pour 1 liter of water and add 1 full tablespoon or 2 dessert spoons of citric acid.
- Set the double boiler on the cooking mode (20-30 minutes) and wait.
- After finishing work, drain the water and rinse under running water 1-2 times with a soft sponge.
- After complete drying, the double boiler is ready for use.
Vinegar
One of the most popular descaling methods is rinsing with acetic acid. This method is even described in the instructions for household appliances. There are 2 ways to clean with vinegar.
Long. If there is time, then you can pour vinegar into the cleaned container and leave it for 3-4 hours. The cleaning process can be seen even visually - bubbles will form. This vinegar reacts with salts and hydrogen is released.
After the time has passed, pour the vinegar and thoroughly wash the entire coating with a soft sponge. If the scale remains, you will have to repeat the procedure. If the double boiler has become clean and shiny, then we fill in fresh water and boil it, this is necessary to remove the remaining acid and to remove the unpleasant odor. Then drain the water and dry the bowl thoroughly.
Fast. When time is short, clean double boiler if you need, you have to boil vinegar. To do this, you will need:
- In the container that we will clean, pour 9 percent vinegar. The liquid should reach the maximum mark. If desired, the acid can be slightly diluted with water or use vinegar concentrate in a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water.
- Turn on the double boiler in any cooking mode, for 20-30 minutes.
- After cleaning, drain the water, rinse the device with a sponge and set to boil clean water.
- If after one boiling the smell has not completely disappeared, the procedure can be repeated.
Important! When cleaning any appliance from scale, do not use metal brushes (washcloths) or other abrasive objects. Using such equipment, you can scratch the device, which will contribute to corrosion and quick breakdown.
Use only soft sponges or plain rags.
